Dynamic Planet: Melting Polar Oceans and Changing Environments

As temperatures rise, the Earth is heating up at a rate twice as fast as it was four decades ago. This has led to ominous implications for both the planet and all living creatures. From melting ice caps and glaciers to warming oceans and burning forests, weather patterns are shifting, putting the world as we know it in jeopardy. It is crucial to understand the impact of these changes and how we can adapt to ensure a sustainable future.

Dynamic Planet is a documentary series that filmed over three years, showcasing the lives of extraordinary people and animals who are on the front lines of climate change in extreme environments on all seven continents. The series not only highlights the threats facing these environments but also reveals how the natural world is adapting in surprising ways. Through a combination of science, nature, and Indigenous knowledge, Dynamic Planet aims to prepare viewers for the future.

In the premier episode titled “ICE,” a team of global experts travels from the frozen polar oceans of Antarctica and the Arctic to the vast plateaus and peaks of the Himalayas. They document how melting ice is affecting human and animal life in these regions. By studying animals like seals and humpback whales up close, researchers are able to observe how nature is adapting to these changing environments. Viewers can watch Dynamic Planet on WLRN through their PBS Video App where they can stream their favorite PBS shows, create watchlists, and access an on-demand library of programming with WLRN Passport. Download the app for free to watch WLRN anytime, anywhere.